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Information Technology Book Draft from 1986 |
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Contents: Introduction Part I: The Basics Innovation Information Evolution Part II: The Technologies of Information Components Peripherals Networks Systems Software Interfaces Mindware Part III: The Future IS in the 1990s Survival |
This is a rough draft of a book that I wrote back in 1986 but decided not to pursue to publication. I have included it here not so much because it might be of interest historically or as a cross-section of my views as of 1986 (though it does provide that), but because some of the ideas in it, especially in the three chapters of Part I, contain material that I still consider essential background material for understanding the ongoing development of information technology and its economic and social impacts. In particular, Schumpeter's insights into innovation and its relation to the business cycle; my early explorations into what I call "the ontology of information"; and the relations between biological evolution and technological evolution are three key themes that, while very imperfectly developed in this early book draft, remain core foundations of my analytic methodology in assessing the continuing development and impacts of information technology. To read the draft, just click on the links in the left column. Links are provided at the end of each chapter to the next chapter (or section introduction) in sequence, to this page, and to the Canopus Research home page. Please note that this material is copyrighted. It may be reasonably quoted with appropriate attribution but please request permission for anything that clearly extends beyond fair use as provided by U.S. copyright law. Any comments from readers of this draft are most welcome and can be sent to me via email at wfz@canopusresearch.com. William F. Zachmann [Home] |